Asus Reveals ROG Maximus VIII Formula With Integrated EKWB Cooling Block, RGB Lighting
Asus has announced the latest edition of its ROG Maximus lineup. The Maximus Formula is a high-end motherboard line designed for overclocking. This series has always included hybrid cooling for use with air or water and this time Asus partnered with EK Water Blocks to create the block.
The CrossChill EK hybrid cooling block is mounted directly to the MOSFETs, rather than a typical heatsink, and has been designed to work as a passive cooler, but it also includes channels for liquid cooling. The block features two G1/4 threads to accommodate any standard water cooling fitting. Asus said that cooling with liquid reduces the MOSFET temperatures by as much as 23 degrees Celsius.
The ROG Maximus VIII Formula has also been equipped with ROG Armor on the front and back of the board. Asus said the armor is functional and acts as reinforcement for the board and the hybrid block. Asus has integrated some translucent panels in the front of the armor. These sections get illuminated by the integrated Aura RBG LEDs, which can be controlled by Aura lighting control software, allowing you to set whichever color you prefer. Asus has also included an extra 4-pin header so you can add another LED strip to your build and control it with the same software.
Of course, the ROG Maximus VIII Formula isn't all just about fancy looks. Asus said the board includes typical ROG features, such as five-way optimization and all the latest interfaces, including as NVM Express U.2 and M.2, USB 3.1 Type-A and Type-C. The board also includes 2x2 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO wireless connections and an Intel I219-V gigabit LAN.
Asus said the ROG Maximus VIII Formula includes SupremeFX 2015 sound, which can also be found on the Maximus VIII Extreme motherboard. It features Nichicon capacitors, an ESS ES9023P DAC and 2Vrms headphone amp.
Availability and pricing has not been announced yet for the board, but we've been told the Maximus VIII Formula will have a presence at CES so we may have more information next week.
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jimmysmitty I know it is mostly for show but man that board just looks nice. I have the Maximus VI Formula and it is just a very pretty board.Reply
If pricing is similar then this will probably be a $300 dollar board. -
Matt_550 It's in direct competition with the MSI Z170 Gaming M9 ACK. It'll most likely be closer to the $400 range. If it is cheaper that would be great. Good looking board though.Reply -
jimmysmitty Reply17216842 said:It's in direct competition with the MSI Z170 Gaming M9 ACK. It'll most likely be closer to the $400 range. If it is cheaper that would be great. Good looking board though.
Possibly. All I know is my Maximus VI Formula (same minus the RGB lighting) was around $300. -
Matt_550 Hard to say but since Asus already has the WS and the Deluxe at $320 and $350 this board slots right above them. If Asus cuts prices across the board and starts some competition in this segment it would be welcome. I just don't see it happening.Reply -
Mac266 ReplyHard to say but since Asus already has the WS and the Deluxe at $320 and $350 this board slots right above them. If Asus cuts prices across the board and starts some competition in this segment it would be welcome. I just don't see it happening.
The Formula rarely slots above the WS board. But yeah, Asus's lineup this season is whacky. -
Matt_550 ReplyHard to say but since Asus already has the WS and the Deluxe at $320 and $350 this board slots right above them. If Asus cuts prices across the board and starts some competition in this segment it would be welcome. I just don't see it happening.
The Formula rarely slots above the WS board. But yeah, Asus's lineup this season is whacky.
Agreed. The WS has the realtek alc1150 that seems to be fairly common and a plain Jane exterior compared to this board. I guess we'll have to see where everything lands. -
ssdpro I am going to guess $369. The recently released Maximus VIII Hero Alpha ($300) has M.2 and U.2, Supreme FX 2015, and wifi, but lacks the full LED customization, pretty armor shield, and EK cooling block. Those bonuses sound like $70 bucks to me.Reply -
f-14 ReplyThis series has always included hybrid cooling for use with air or water
mmmm NOASUS MAXIMUS FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X38 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131227
ASUS Maximus II Formula LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131319
ASUS Maximus III Formula LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131482
i've personally been using these boards for awhile